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Advice - What turntable should I buy ???

Finally looking to buy a turntable to complete my system and to allow me to resurrect some old vinyl and to selectively buy some new vinyl as needed. I am not an avid audiophile but know just about enough to be dangerous and am interested to receive feedback from experienced folks who can assist me narrowing my search. I am confused on what I actually need as I read references to turntable , cartridges, tone arm, power supplies etc..
I have total budget $1000-1500max for a used low hrs unit that is complete and ready to connect to my system. I sometimes see these threads used as an avenue to ding various makes and systems etc.. but please don't respond with negativity as I know what sound I enjoy and am keen to hear only positive advice on turntables to supplement my system which I know is not everybodies taste (I listed items only to indicate my type of preference). Majority listening will still reside with my CD and music dvd/blu-rays.
Oppo 105D universal player; Conrad Johnson MET-1 5.1 tube pre-amp (Teflon caps); C-J MET-150 5-channel hybrid tube amp, Cardas Hexlink/Quadlink RCA interconnects; Dali Helicon 400 fronts/300 rears/200 center. Many tks in advance of positive advice
mdempster
chayro
2,974 posts
 
I had a Music Hall MMF5 and I thought it was very nice taste of
what analog is about. I ended up selling it for a couple
hundred less than I paid and bought a much more expensive tt
when I decided that I wanted to pursue vinyl. If I were in your
position, I would get a Music Hall MMF7, which has a better arm,
cartridge and isolated motor. It will keep you happy for a
couple of years, I would think. The only thing I would add is a
Herbies mat, which made a ridiculous difference on the MMF5.
Have fun.
dentdog's avatar
dentdog
497 posts
 
Sounds like you have a pretty good digital front end. Keep in mind in essence you're competing with it for your musical pleasure and it will take a pretty good vinyl rig to do that. While it's a great idea to get into vinyl, I feel it's not realistic to get the quality you are used to for $1500.
IMO get the very best phono preamp you can afford and skimp on the TT-cartridge combo if need be. I dumped a ton into my analog front end. I'm very pleased with it.
chayro
2,974 posts
 
I have to disagree with Dentdog. I had a $12K digital player at the time I bought my MMF5 and I was able to appreciate what analog had to offer, even with that huge price disparity.
Yes, a very good analog front end has it's virtues, but I think an MMF7 will let you test the waters without a huge financial commitment.
kiko65
279 posts
 
White Rega RP3 w/upgrades currently selling for $850.00
Dynavector P-75MKII currently selling for $450.00
Audio Technica OC9 MKIII currently selling for $395.00

You may never listen to your CDs again.
ihcho's avatar
ihcho
612 posts
 
Clearaudio, VPI, or Music Hall has good starting turntable/arm/cartridge combo at around $1000~$1500.
I currently have a clearaudio bluemotion. It is easy to install and setup.

One you start enjoying vinyls, as with many audio enthusiasts, you you may get an upgrade bug.
The first thing you may consider would be upgrading the stock cartridge, then move to MC cartridge, SUT, then ... Along the line, you may want to purchase an additional turntable for mono cartridge.

Until then, enjoy your vinyls.
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